Health experts strongly encourage vaccinating kids to end pandemic

Early data shows some positive trends, but there are still many unknowns related to vaccinating kids

MADISON, Wis (WKBT) – In the hopes of reaching herd immunity as a nation, there is one group of people health experts strongly recommend get vaccinated: kids.

Health officials say that vaccinating younger children is an important part of ending the pandemic.

Early data shows some positive trends, but there are still many unknowns related to vaccinating kids.

At this time, the Pfizer vaccine is the only one authorized for people who are at least 16.

Pfizer’s latest study on vaccinating children showed that the vaccine is 100% effective in children whose ages range from 12 to 15 years old.

The company requested the FDA to clear its vaccine for kids of those ages, but that process is expected to take at least several weeks.

“We’re not going to be able to completely eliminate this until we can decrease the transmission in all age groups. And so for now if parents can remain patient and continue to at least make sure that they’re immunized and other adults in their circle, not that they’re all eligible or all immunized as well, we’re gonna likely decrease the amount of exposure and transmission in kids,” said Dr. Jim Conway, a professor of Pediatrics at UW School of Medicine and Public Health.

Vaccines may not be readily available for most children until late 2021 or early 2022.

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